Paul Rovelli’s Thelema & The Secret Doctrine (book review)

It is refreshing to read such a well written, carefully researched, and definitely insightful book on the Western mysteries. This is not just a good read for those interested in Madame Blavatsky. It is more than that. Paul’s book is seminal in understanding the development and evolution of Western magick and mysticism. Madame Blavatsky was arguably the driving force that begun to consolidate the dispersed pieces of the traditions informing Western civilization. Her work of synthesis attempted to include the Eastern schools as well. Her work, pretty much betrayed by the organization she founded—according to Crowley—became the true magical force behind the defining work of the Golden Dawn. Aleister Crowley sought to destroy this group by publishing their secrets, but he did more than that. Crowley also went further to unify the aims and methods of the different esoteric schools and presented a pivotal and revolutionary work of magick and mysticism for the work, giving a veritable fruit from the seeds planted by Blavatsky long ago.

Mr. Rovelli’s work is no less ambitious, as he seeks not only to unveil the true secret doctrine planted by Blavatsky, but show step by step how such approach helps the practitioner go deep into Crowley’s gematria, his sacred poetry, and his most obscure work and emerge with clarity and the very possibility of mastery. Paul Rovelli’s Thelema & the Secred Doctrine is a must have manual for the practitioner, and a valuable exegesis for the thelemic scholar. I have enjoyed it tremendously and will continue to use it for years to come.